Crew commander Lee McDonald from Foleshill fire station in Coventry organised the street collection and was over-whelmed by the public's response.

He said: "The support has been amazing. I have been a fire officer in Coventry for almost 20 years and the people of Coventry have always been supportive of what we have done, and today was just the same.

"People came out in their droves and gave us money - a big thank you to them."

Mr McDonald also thanked B&Q and Staples for their donations of supplies and to the coffee shops in the city centre that provided the officers with free refreshments throughout the day.